The world is navigating unprecedented complexity, with rapid geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and environmental challenges demanding new strategic thinking. Global Strategic Trends 7 (GST 7), the latest UK Ministry of Defence report, introduces a novel framework of five fictitious “worlds” to explore future security scenarios. In this special episode of Dialogue, I discuss GST 7’s key findings with Colonel Joachim Isacsson OBE and Richard Johnson of Defence Futures, examining major global drivers, uncertainties shaping the future, and implications for policymakers.
In Dialogue 37, we explore rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing need to navigate the Indo-Pacific’s complex security landscape. Join us for a discussion on The Indo-Pacific Mosaic, a new book edited by Dr. James Minnich, which offers crucial insights and a path toward a more stable and resilient region.
Dr. Alexander Vuving has two new publications exploring Vietnam’s history and foreign policy. The first is a peer-reviewed article published in The Pacific Review (Vol. 38, Issue 1, 2025), titled “Bamboo in a Storm: The Russia-Ukraine War and Vietnam’s Foreign Policy (2022–2024). The second is a chapter in The Cambridge History of the Vietnam War (Volume 3: Legacies). Titled “Vietnam’s Search for Its Place in the World,” the chapter traces Vietnam’s trajectory since the war with the United States.
The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) proudly announces the release of its latest publication, The Indo-Pacific Mosaic: Comprehensive Security Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This landmark book celebrates the Center’s 30th anniversary and reflects three decades of fostering peace, collaboration, and understanding across the Indo-Pacific region. Bringing together insights from 27 leading experts, this comprehensive volume examines the complexities of security in the Indo-Pacific. From geopolitical rivalries to societal resilience, The Indo-Pacific Mosaic offers actionable strategies for promoting peace, stability, and resilience across the region. Acting Director Russell Bailey emphasized that this book honors Senator Daniel K. Inouye’s legacy and underscores the Center’s unwavering commitment to advancing security cooperation throughout the region.
In Dialogue 35: Indo-Pacific Humanity and Geopolitics, humanitarian adviser Jonathan Robinson explores the intersection of humanitarian aid and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific. From navigating aid in politically sensitive areas to the impact of great power competition and China’s hospital ship ecosystem, this episode delves into critical challenges shaping regional humanitarian efforts.
In "The Role of Non-State Actors as Proxies in Irregular Warfare and Malign State Influence," Dr. Sam Mullins examines how states like China and Russia leverage non-state actors (NSAs) to conduct irregular warfare, employing tactics that blur the lines between peace and conflict. These NSAs engage in activities ranging from persistent low-level operations aimed at undermining adversaries' institutions to more aggressive actions that challenge the sovereignty of other nations.
South Korea’s Democratic Turmoil: A Test of Resilience South Korea, often hailed as a beacon of democracy in Asia, finds itself navigating a profound political crisis that has raised questions about its democratic stability and governance. The impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol following his December 3rd declaration of martial law has sent shockwaves across the nation and the region. While the swift response from South Korea’s institutions and the public demonstrates the strength of its democratic framework, the crisis also highlights vulnerabilities that demand attention. This critical issue was the focus of Dialogue Episode 36, where I had the privilege of hosting DKI APCSS Professor Dr. Lami Kim to explore the broader implications of this historic crisis. Reflecting on the situation, Dr. Kim observed, “President Yoon’s declaration of martial law was not a spontaneous move; it was premeditated. His aides testified that he had been discussing the option for months, believing it was the only way to tackle his mounting political and personal challenges.” A Premeditated Power Grab President Yoon’s martial law declaration, framed as a response to “pro-North Korean threats” and political unrest, was far from spontaneous. Yoon’s actions, including attempts to dissolve the National Assembly and paralyze democratic institutions, drew comparisons to South Korea’s authoritarian past, particularly Chun Doo-hwan’s 1979 coup. However, the failure of Yoon’s self-coup underscores the evolution of South Korean democracy. Dr. Kim noted, “South Korean citizens have become incredibly mature in their democratic practices. Their peaceful and well-organized protests show the strength of civil society, which, alongside a free press and nonviolent dissent, helped ensure the failure of Yoon’s self-coup.”
“This is Not the Status Quo You’re Looking For” by Lauren Dickey and DKI APCSS’ Col. Matthew Kent was recently published by War on the Rocks. In the article, the authors argue that the United States’ longstanding policy of maintaining the “status quo” on Taiwan is increasingly misaligned with contemporary geostrategic realities. Rooted in Cold War-era agreements, the policy aims to deter hostilities by avoiding an official stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. However, this approach has not accounted for China’s use of gray zone tactics—subtle, coercive measures that fall short of provoking military conflict but aim to achieve political objectives. According to the authors, the “status quo,” once effective in a very different geopolitical landscape, now risks enabling China’s aggressive posturing and undermining Taiwan’s security.
Dr. Lami Kim has a new article in Foreign Policy on the recent self-coup and martial law attempt by President Yoon in South Korea. The article, “Yoon’s Coup Attempt Shows Sad State of Civil-Military Relations,” provides an in-depth look the Republic of Korea’s history of past military dictatorship. According to Kim, “As South Koreans and supporters of democracy around the world anxiously watch how this situation unfolds, it is crucial to learn from what happened. This incident serves as a stark reminder that civil-military relations are never static and can regress without vigilant management. If there is a silver lining to this situation, it is that South Koreans now have an opportunity to confront the lingering legacies of military dictatorship and take definitive steps toward establishing healthy, sustainable civil-military relations.”
Sri Lanka’s November 14 election marks a historic turning point, with the potential to reshape its future and inspire regional renewal. This episode explores its challenges, opportunities, and regional implications.
Latest News TestAPCSS Editor2024-08-22T13:55:50-10:00